Derry '˜5th friendiest county' in UK.

Derry has been named as the fifth friendiest place in the UK.

The County was one of the red hot zones identified in a new ‘Map of Human Warming’, with all six counties in the north featuring in the top ten.

The map was created by the Eden Project’s Big Lunch intiative, which is funded by the Big Lottery Fund.

The project aims to get as many people as possible to have lunch with their neighbours in an act of community across gardens, streets, or in a large public space, with free packs issued for those taking part.

The move is aimed at helping combat isolation and loneliness and building community spirit.

Data from between 2010 and 2015 was used to find which regions in the UK had come together and staged the most community events.

Northern Ireland counties dominate in the top ten, along with Cornwall and Devon in England, Cardiff in Wales and Dundee in Scotland.

Grainne McCloskey, from The Big Lunch NI, said: “I’m delighted but not surprised to see us come out on top. We are known the world over for our friendly spirit.

“The Big Lunch has really taken off here as a simple low cost way to bring local people together and it’s a great stepping stone for encouraging people to join in wider community activity.

“However, warming is measured per capita in this survey, and we want to see more activity across the country so we have £2000 worth of £50 vouchers up for grabs for those willing to host a neighbourhood get together with The Big Lunch this June.”

To register email at [email protected].

For more information go to: www.thebiglunch.com.